Price:$2,980
7 Day Uganda Rwanda Primate Lakeside Safari
Code: NSA7UGPRMS25
Description
This adventurous 7-day cross-border safari blends the primate wonders of East Africa with breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. Begin in Rwanda’s vibrant capital, Kigali, where you’ll explore local markets and pay tribute at the Genocide Memorial. Track playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park before crossing into Uganda’s famed Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. This safari combines adventure, wildlife, nature, and culture for a perfect East African escape.
Safari Highlights
- Kigali Cultural Experience
- Golden Monkey
- Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Embark
- Scenic Lake Bunyonyi
- Cross-Border Adventure
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Kigali International Airport | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. | ||||||||||||
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This package offers a blend of wildlife viewing and scenic drives. Nela Safaris can customize it to fit your preferences.
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Guided City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed
by your professional guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and a short rest, embark on a guided city tour of Kigali.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering but essential experience that offers deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Explore local markets such as Kimironko for vibrant crafts and cultural interaction. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your lodge or hotel.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Budget: Step Town Motel
Meals: Dinner
2
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Golden Monkey Trekking
After an early breakfast, drive northwards through the scenic Rwandan countryside to Volcanoes National Park, located in Musanze (2.5–3 hrs).
Upon arrival, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing and golden monkey trekking.
Hike into the bamboo forests to observe these rare, fast-moving primates, endemic to the Virunga region. Watch them leap through the trees and forage on the forest floor—a thrilling and lively experience.
After the trek, transfer to your lodge for a hot lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Budget: La Locanda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
3
Day 3: Cross into Uganda – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the Cyanika or Katuna border post and cross into Uganda. Continue through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge nestled within or near the forest. Enjoy the serene setting as you prepare for tomorrow’s incredible gorilla trek.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
4
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters for a safety briefing. Then venture into the forest with expert trackers in search of one of the habituated gorilla families.
Depending on the location of the group, the trek can range from 2 to 6 hours. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll have one magical hour to
observe their behavior—feeding, playing, and bonding after which you’ll
return to your lodge.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
Midrange: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
5
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation & Canoeing
After breakfast, drive to the stunning and serene Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake dotted with 29 islands (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy an afternoon of canoeing, island hopping, birdwatching, or simply relaxing on the lakeshore. This is the perfect spot to unwind after your forest adventures, with cool breezes and peaceful scenery.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Midrange: Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi
Budget: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
6
Day 6: Scenic Return via Lake Kivu & Gisenyi
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kigali via the Rwanda–Uganda border. Make a stop at Gisenyi, the vibrant lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy a lakeside lunch, explore the waterfront or visit local crafts markets. In the late afternoon, proceed to Kigali for your final overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Midrange: Paradise Kivu
Budget: Inzu Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
.
7
Day 7: Departure from Kigali
After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a short optional activity (e.g., shopping for souvenirs or a visit to the Inema Art Center). Your driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable East African primate
and culture safari.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner